Reviewed by: geoff wonnacott, Advanced, from Kinburn, Ontario, Canada Summary:
I had a great trip to Masella even though there was very little snow. This resort has a pond resevoir mid mountain and they can make enough snow to challenge skiers and boarders even when the surrounding mountains are mostly brown. With about 3,000 feet vertical, the top half of this 8,500 ft. mountain is above the tree line. The snowfields looked very tempting and there were boarders with backcountry gear packed on their backs. The bottom is more suited for families and children. The in bounds terrain offered a challenging assortment, from open groomers to double diamond narrow couloirs. The view from the top of the mountain (a short hike from the chair summit) is breath taking, well worth the buffeting winds. During my brief visit the weather varied greatly, not only from day to day but from the base to the summit. At the base lodge one day the sun was HOT and everyone was getting fried, sipping very cheap beer and snacking on tapas (a variety of small, inexpensive, hot and cold hors d'oevre like things) avaliable at the bar. At the summit it was cold and windy, sweaters, fleece, jacket, the whole thing. Another day the top was completley socked in and negotiating a descent from the upper mountain was difficult. I made my trip as a side trip from business in Barcelona. Trains leave from Barcelona almost hourly every day. I caught a 7:00 A.M. train to La Molina, takes about 2 1/2 hours. This train costs about $22.00 CAN return, drops you off about 500 meters (walking distance) from the Youth hostel,$29.00 - $36.00 per night. Other accomodations in the area range from $55.00 up. A shuttle bus takes you to the La Molina ski resort and resort village. The village offers everything; specialty shops, sporting goods, food (groceries), restaurants, bars. To get to Masella you buy a dual resort pass for La Molina and Masella, this is about $36.00 CAN and allows you to use both areas. La Molina is not as exciting or challenging as Masella but seems a good choice for families. From La Molina you take a gondola to Masella and considering everything, accessibility, cost, accomodations,ambiance and boarding, you will have a good time. If you're really into a big day you can return to Barcelona the same day.
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4 of 5
